Importing a US vehicle that is already in Canada?

[JJMoshpotatoes]

My husband drove into canada in 2014. He has been on a visitor pass since. We have just recieved his COPR and now I am looking up information on transfering his car to canada. It is a very confusing process and there isn't a whole lot of info on how to do this when the car is already IN canada. I found info on being a settler? http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5113-eng.html
would my husband be considered this?
If not how exactly do we go about starting this process? I found info on transport canada stating that vehicles over 15 years are eligible for transport. My husbands car is a 1998 I believe. I'm just not sure where to start!

Thanks for your help!

 

[o6ocpaka]

This can be a hard one, my wife has actually sold hers before coming to Canada (after researching on this issue), because there was just too much trouble of importing it. First of all it has to be mechanically changed (day light running lights, seat belts, other stuff), this can run you into a few thousand dollars, then you have to pay the tax on the import and inspection fees, then all the fees for the admin work. The import has to happen at the border when they have all the papers for you already to go in advance...
How long has the car been in Canada?

https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/motorvehiclesafety/safevehicles-importation-usa-index-445.htm

 

[Alurra71]

My husband drove into canada in 2014. He has been on a visitor pass since. We have just recieved his COPR and now I am looking up information on transfering his car to canada. It is a very confusing process and there isn't a whole lot of info on how to do this when the car is already IN canada. I found info on being a settler? http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5113-eng.html
would my husband be considered this?
If not how exactly do we go about starting this process? I found info on transport canada stating that vehicles over 15 years are eligible for transport. My husbands car is a 1998 I believe. I'm just not sure where to start!

Thanks for your help!

The car has to exit Canada and be exported from the US and then imported into Canada. You should start by reading here : https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/307/~/requirements-for-exporting-a-vehicle-%28including%3A-snowmobile,-atv-and-motorcycle%29 It will give you an idea of how to begin the export process. The import process into Canada can be read about here: https://www.riv.ca/ImportingAVehicle.aspx. There are certain things hubby will need to make sure he takes care of before and after importing the car to Canada. Yes, he can claim it when he lands as a 'settler' and will not need to pay any taxes on it. If he landed as an inland applicant then he will need to fill out a B4 form and take it to the nearest land crossing sooner than later and have customs stamp it and such.

 

[Baffled]

Oh man this is something that still boggles my mind. I have done a lot of research and the process seems time consuming and could cost money. But my situation is different because I am still on visitation extension and unable to drive my car legally. I have been here for 2 years and unable to insure my car unless I pay taxes and other fees to export / import my car. And when my PR goes through I can fill out more paperwork to get reimbursed, but we don't want to do this until we know I will receive my PR or not. It would just be a pain to export / import and find out I am not able to get my PR and have to export / import again.

The process just takes a lot of paperwork and time. More so if you are still financing your car like I am ...don't even want to talk about that situation. ugh.

 

[Aquakitty]

One good thing is your car is older than 15 years, so you will be exempt from a RIV inspection and that fee. You don't have to pay taxes on it as it will be exempt through his landing. I'm not sure if duty is exempt too, I did import a car from the US but not as a "settler" as you will be.

You WILL have to return to the US with the car as you have to make an appointment with the US side (72 hours) about 3 days in advance and send them all the info.

Here's where you start: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/307/~/requirements-for-exporting-a-vehicle-(including%3A-snowmobile,-atv-and-motorcycle)

 

[o6ocpaka]

Oh man this is something that still boggles my mind. I have done a lot of research and the process seems time consuming and could cost money. But my situation is different because I am still on visitation extension and unable to drive my car legally. I have been here for 2 years and unable to insure my car unless I pay taxes and other fees to export / import my car. And when my PR goes through I can fill out more paperwork to get reimbursed, but we don't want to do this until we know I will receive my PR or not. It would just be a pain to export / import and find out I am not able to get my PR and have to export / import again.

The process just takes a lot of paperwork and time. More so if you are still financing your car like I am ...don't even want to talk about that situation. ugh.

If importing a vehicle from US was that easy I would definitely buy one there, since they are a lot cheaper =).

 

[Aquakitty]

If importing a vehicle from US was that easy I would definitely buy one there, since they are a lot cheaper =).

Maybe you can still save some money on new vehicles, but used are usually more pricey than here in BC. With the exchange rate terrible now, buying used in the US is not at all worth it.

 

[JJMoshpotatoes]

This is so much to process -.- They don't make this easy. I'm so confused!

 

[Alurra71]

Oh man this is something that still boggles my mind. I have done a lot of research and the process seems time consuming and could cost money. But my situation is different because I am still on visitation extension and unable to drive my car legally. I have been here for 2 years and unable to insure my car unless I pay taxes and other fees to export / import my car. And when my PR goes through I can fill out more paperwork to get reimbursed, but we don't want to do this until we know I will receive my PR or not. It would just be a pain to export / import and find out I am not able to get my PR and have to export / import again.

The process just takes a lot of paperwork and time. More so if you are still financing your car like I am ...don't even want to talk about that situation. ugh.

If your car isn't yet paid for, then I would suggest you get it paid before trying to export it. The odds of you getting a letter of release from the financier to import the car to Canada are slim to none.

 

[Baffled]

I've talked to the finance company and they told me all I would need is the following:

Make over 6 payments. DONE
Account must be current. IT IS
Not be pass due 30 days or 1 60 day. OKAY
Letter of request with signature, with copy of insurance < make a note of it. DONE
Two personal ref in US with addresses and phone numbers. DONE
New home and business addresses and phone number. DONE
Dates of travel: Long Term NOTED
Two personal ref from Canada. DONE
FAx or Mail it
Takes 7 business days

Letter Release DONE

Of course this will not be so for everyone.